Stories from Early Islam — Page 36
36 the ninth begins with the invocation ‘In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful’. The Holy Qur’an is the only book in the world which claims that every word contained in it is the actual word of God, and that He has taken upon Himself the responsi bility of preserv- ing the purity of the text in all ages. This has been demonstrated throughout history. The text of the Qur’an has continued with- out any alteration or modifi cation. A Muslim has to believe not only in the Qur’an but also in all the Books sent by God to previous Prophets from time to time. Unfortunately none of the previous Books retained its original text intact. In the Holy Qur’an, mention has been made of Adam, Abraham, Joseph, David, Solomon, Jesus and several other Biblical Prophets (peace be upon them all). They are hon- oured as true Messengers of God. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is described as a model of righteousness. According to the Holy